McIntosh has added the MCT80 SACD/CD transport, to its range of MXA80 system components. It joins a number of other add-on modules, specifically the MB50 streaming audio player, MP100 phono stage and MHA150 headphone amplifier, available for the system.

The MCT80 reads a disc’s audio data at twice the normal rate, to better ensure disc-tracking and error-correction processing. The unit features a high-performance transport with a die-cast aluminium tray.

The MCT80’s three (coaxial and optical) digital outputs support high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz audio, plus McIntosh’s proprietary MCT connection which offers a secure DSD connection for high-res SACD audio. For general CD playback, the MCT80 can be used with any DAC with a digital coax or optical input.

According to the BPI (British Phonographic Industry), 47 million CDs were sold in the UK alone in 2016, with a similar number of sales expected in 2017.

The MCT80 will retail for £4,495, while the MXA80 integrated audio system sells for £7,500. McIntosh is distributed in the UK by Jordan Acoustics. For more details call 01202 911886.